House Democrats Stop Bills That Undermine Local Governments, Harm Workers

House Democrats Stop Bills That Undermine Local Governments, Harm Workers

Santa Fe, N.M. – This week, Democrats on the House Labor and Economic Development Committee stopped two bills that have been proven to lower wages and negatively impact worker rights. In the House Labor and Economic Development Committee, House Democrats stopped HB 169 and HB 189, two bills aimed at preempting local worker protections and stopping workers from collectively negotiating for fair wages, leave policies, and benefits, respectively.

“These two bills raise many concerns for our local communities and businesses who are already doing many things to improve the lives of workers in their areas,” said House Labor and Economic Development Committee Chair Bill McCamley (D-Mesilla Park). “We know that when workers have the opportunity to negotiate collectively, our families benefit from fair benefits, safer work environments, and increased wages. It’s key that we protect those rights.”

According to the Economic Policy Institute, states with so-called Right to Work laws, like HB 169, have wages that are 3.1 percent lower than those in states without those policies in place.

Several cities including Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe have passed higher minimum wage laws to address the cost of living in their local communities. HB 189 would impose a state law that would preempt municipal worker protections, ultimately lowering wages.

House Democrats will continue to fight for policies that strengthen workers’ rights and support New Mexico families. House Democrats stopped HB 169 and HB 189 in the House Labor and Economic Development Committee this week.